Reductions in inpatient mortality following interventions to improve emergency hospital care in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The demand for high quality hospital care for children in low resource countries is not being met. This paper describes a number of strategies to improve emergency care at a children's hospital and evaluates the impact of these on inpatient mortality. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of improving emergency care is estimated.

Methods and findings

A team of local and international staff developed a plan to improve emergency care for children arriving at The Ola During Children's Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Following focus group discussions, five priority areas were identified to improve emergency care; staff training, hospital layout, staff allocation, medical equipment, and medical record keeping. A team of international volunteers worked with local staff

SUBMITTER: Clark M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3446969 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature